Five Marines have been found dead after their helicopter went missing while traveling from Nevada to California.
The chopper, a CH-53E Super Stallion, was found Wednesday afternoon in southern California. It was travelling between Creech Air Force Base to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California the day before. However, the aircraft didn’t arrive and was “reported overdue”, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five Marines from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Flying Tigers’ while conducting a training flight last night,” Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte said in a statement.
“These pilots and crew members were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so. We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service.”
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are “heartbroken” to hear the news.
“Our service members represent the very best of our nation – and these five Marines were no exception,” the US president said. “As the Department of Defense continues to assess what occurred, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the US Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nation’s finest warriors.”
Names of the Marine who tragically died have not been released.
The Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing as efforts are underway to recover the remains of the Marines.
The San Diego area has been struck with snow and rain following a storm, with parts of the county under a rare tornado warning on Tuesday. The extreme weather conditions also hampered search and rescue efforts.
The Marines were flying through the rugged Pine Valley area.
The aircraft was discovered approximately an hour’s drive outside a small mountain town of the same name. It was found by civilian authorities after 9am PST on Wednesday, February 8.
